No Love Trash: Interworld Heroine

Chapter 12: The Blade Settles, a Glimmer Emerges

Within ten minutes, LAPD patrol cars arrived at the scene. Police quickly established a perimeter and began taking statements from witnesses. Ethan, still thrashing and screaming, was firmly handcuffed. As he was led to the patrol car, his venomous gaze stayed glued to Kaelin, only breaking when the car door slammed shut with a decisive thunk, severing the last trace of his twisted obsession.

Under California law, intentionally injuring someone with a deadly weapon is a felony. Ethan had deliberately disguised himself and brought a weapon into a private event—premeditation was clear. The prosecutor filed charges for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. California’s sentencing guidelines were clear: a minimum of two years in state prison, up to four years for aggravated cases. With security footage, dozens of eyewitnesses, and the fruit knife as physical evidence, the prosecution had an airtight case and quickly proceeded with formal charges.

During the investigation, Ethan’s fallen state was fully exposed: he maxed out multiple credit cards to pay legal fees, was forcibly evicted from his Beverly Hills apartment due to unpaid rent, and was rebuffed at every attempt to seek help from former industry contacts, his reputation irreparably destroyed. The $2 million claim from the Blaze of Fury production was the final blow—when sentenced, seventy percent of his post-prison earnings would be garnished until the debt was fully repaid. The once-promising newcomer had become a cautionary tale of Hollywood greed and self-destruction, completely shunned by the industry.

Kaelin gave a concise statement to the police, calm and precise. When officers asked about her swift, effective handling of Ethan, she responded lightly:

“I learned self-defense for a few years before entering the industry. This world is complex; it never hurts to know how to protect yourself.”

Her explanation was reasonable enough to satisfy the officers, and media reports further amplified her image as cool-headed and resourceful, earning her countless new fans.

A month after the storm subsided, Allen Voss officially announced his return. His passion project, Whispering Pines, a period drama about a female journalist uncovering small-town corruption, instantly became a hot topic. As a legendary director with three box-office hits under his belt, Allen’s comeback carried inherent buzz, and talent agencies flooded him with recommendations for lead roles.

But Allen had already made up his mind: Kaelin. During a family dinner, he pushed the script across the table.

“Clara, the second lead—I want you to play her.”

Kaelin flipped through the pages. Clara was the protagonist’s capable assistant—intelligent, loyal, and resilient. Seemingly a supporting role, she was pivotal, turning the tide in key plot points, with a rich character arc.

“You could easily carry the lead,” Allen said with unwavering trust, “but Clara’s strength lies in her subtle, understated power—I believe you can portray that best. I know you don’t care about screen time; you care about the soul of the character.”

Kaelin scanned Clara’s lines, a smile tugging at her lips. The character’s quiet determination mirrored a contrast to the original owner’s struggles—years of auditions, sleepless nights studying scripts, yet constantly overlooked; sacrificing everything for Ethan, only to be crushed by his indifference and career setbacks.

“I’ll do it,” she said, closing the script with resolve. “The lead may shine brightly, but Clara’s edge—that’s what excites me.”

The announcement of Kaelin joining Whispering Pines sparked discussion online. Some initially criticized her as “inexperienced” or “industry-bootstrapped,” until users discovered the bombshell: Kaelin Voss is Allen Voss’s daughter. Suddenly, debates ignited.

“No wonder she got a legendary director’s new show!”

“Of course star kids get better resources.”

Some even dug up past audition clips of the original owner, mocking her as someone who “rides her father’s coattails.”

Kaelin didn’t respond to the controversy; she let her actions speak. On set, she threw herself into filming: arriving early to study scripts, staying late to refine details; learning the habits of journalists in the 20th century, practicing typewriter operation repeatedly; humbly seeking guidance from senior actors, perfecting every line, every glance, every nuance.

When asked in an interview whether she received favoritism as a “star kid,” Allen replied candidly:

“Kaelin earned the role through her understanding of Clara and her audition performance. I’m proud of her effort, but on set, she’s just actress Kaelin, not my daughter.”

Kaelin, when questioned about her family background, merely smiled:

“I want people to focus on my character, not my family. Playing Clara is my fortune, and I’ll prove myself through the work.”

Her dedication to craft over fame won over many critics. During filming, Ethan’s trial quietly concluded. He attempted an insanity plea, but prosecutors presented evidence of him stalking Kaelin and researching the wrap party, confirming premeditated revenge. The judge accepted all charges, sentencing him to three years and six months in state prison, with a lifetime ban from entertainment-related work. Kaelin only learned the outcome from her father, unmoved, continuing her work—Ethan no longer deserved even a fraction of her attention.